Daniel William Kelley Jr.

Daniel W. Kelley, Jr of Stratham, NH passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025 in Ft. Myers, FL. Dan was born on December 15, 1947, to Daniel Sr. and Virginia (Grace) Kelley. He is survived by his loving wife, Marianne (Vrabel) of 51 years, son Brian, sister Elizabeth and many extended family members. Also Dan leaves behind many friends and in particular, long time friends Carl Peters and Arlene Mure who were present with him until the end, along with his sister, and sister and brother in law Eileen and Gary Datsko. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, sister Katherine and brothers, Timothy and James.

In 1967, Dan was accepted at the University of Rhode Island (URI) on a track scholarship and enrolled in the military AVROC (aviation) program, the beginnings of his lifelong passion for everything aviation. After graduating URI, he entered the U.S. Navy, became a student in the Navy flight training program and was awarded his “gold wings” at completion. While on active duty for 10 years, he served as a flight instructor and P3 pilot. He retired from the Navy Reserves in 1991.

Dan also pursued his aviation career as a commercial airline pilot, flying the DC -9, Boeing 737 and 727 and the Airbus 320. As a recreational pilot, he flew Cessnas and often enjoyed taking his family for scenic rides up and down the New England coast. In his quest for all things aviation, he along with a number of fellow pilots, fought and won to change the airline pilot retirement age law from 60 to 65, after presenting their case to the U.S. Congress in 2007. Lastly but very importantly, in March 2025, Dan received the Master Pilot Award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for 50 years of safe flying.

Dan was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who believed that life was more than a career. He dedicated hours to his community as a Boy Scout leader, soccer coach and animal shelter volunteer. He was known as Dan “The Docent” where he shared his love of flying as a volunteer at the Aviation/Military Museums in NH and FL. Dan’s hobbies included golfing, hiking, kayaking, traveling, watching sports, reading, entertaining family and friends. He was an avid New England sports fan, often wearing Red Sox and Patriot ball caps as part of his daily wardrobe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Dan on June 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Parish, 72 South Main Street, Concord. Interment to follow with full military honors at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH at 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life event will also be held for Dan at the Aviation Museum of NH, 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, NH in July. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local animal shelter or at any aviation/military museum. Arrangements under the direction of the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord, NH.